ARS | Publication request: Resistance exercise increase lean body mass and improves basal and hepatic insulin sensitivity in obese adolescents

Submitted to: Acta Paediatrica
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 2, 2009
Publication Date: October 9, 2009
Citation: Van Der Heijden, G.J., Manesso, E., Toffolo, G.M., Sauer, P.J.J., Sunehag, A.L. 2009. Resistance exercise increase lean body mass and improves basal and hepatic insulin sensitivity in obese adolescents [abstract]. Acta Paediatrica. 98:255(Suppl.460).

Technical Abstract: Little is known about the metabolic effects of resistance exercise, for instance, weight lifting. We studied whether a resistance exercise program improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in sedentary obese adolescents. Elevn obese subjects (15.7 +/- 0.4 year; 35.4 +/- 0.8 kg/m2; 41.3 +/- 1.6% body fat), completed a 12-week resistance exercise program (1 h twice a week, exercising all major muscle groups). At baseline and completion of the program, body composition was measured by DXA, basal insulin resistance by HOMA-IR, peripheral insulin sensitivity by the stable labeled IV glucose tolerance test and hepatic insulin sensitivity by Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity Index = 1000/(GPR*fasting insulin). Glucose production rate (GPR), gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis (all expressed per kg lean body weight) were quantified by GCMS. Strength gain was assessed by isokinetic peak torque. All subjects were normoglycemic. The exercise program resulted in significant strength gain (P < 0.05). Body weight increased from 96.2 +/- 4.1 to 98.8 +/- 4.1 kg (P < 0.01) due to increased lean body mass (54.8 +/- 2.9 to 56.6 +/- 3.0 kg; P < 0.01). HOMA-IR decreased by 12 +/- 6% (P < 0.05) and hepatic insulin sensitivity increased by 28 +/-8% (P < 0.01) while average peripheral insulin sensitivity did not change (increased in 7/11 and decreased in 4/11 subjects). GPR decreased by 9 +/- 3% (P < 0.01) due to a 26 +/- 5% decrease in glycogenolysis (P < 0.01). A moderate resistance exercise program is an effective strategy to increase lean body mass, and basal and hepatic insulin sensitivity in obese adolescents, while peripheral insulin sensitivity is not affected.